Election protest dismissed by local elections board

A complaint, submitted to the North Carolina Board of Elections resulting in a hearing by the local Board of Elections on Tuesday, June 14 for LEXINGTON CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION WARD 5, was dismissed.

The complaint was filed by Ward 5 candidate Vanita Faye Craven Boger on May 31. Board of Elections director Andrew Richards cited consideration for a local hearing as GS 163-182.10 titled: Consideration of protest by the county board of elections.

Angela Knotts McDuffie 180  55.21% (Incumbent)

Vanita Faye Craven Boger 143           43.87%

Write-In (Miscellaneous)                   3.92%

The hearing was an open forum for the public. The complaint alleged irregularities, including “a defect in the manner by which votes were counted or results tabulated sufficient to cast doubt on the apparent results of the election” and “a violation of election law, irregularity or misconduct sufficient to cast doubt on the apparent results of the election.” 

The board voted unanimously to dismiss the protest. Calvin J. Cunningham cited the statute’s requirements for evidence. “We are to follow the law,” said Cunningham. “The protest is a two-pronged requirement. It would have to meet probable cause as to irregularities and it must demonstrate votes equal to or greater than to thwart a candidate’s loss to be determinative.”

Several witnesses testified on behalf of the complaintant, including one who questioned the curbside voting procedure. Cunningham said the board wanted to hear more about particular complaints. In regards to curbside voting, Cunningham noted “Two judges, one democrat and one republican would have had to witness that ballot entered into the DS  200,” he explained. “The board wanted to know about it. We wanted to make sure everyone who came before us was allowed to vote.”

Board of Elections Director Andrew Richards said the county attorney is drafting an official document in response to the protest.

Incumbent McDuffie said, “I am pleased with the outcome of the Board of Election's decision and I will continue to represent Ward 5 with purpose, dignity and integrity.”

Craven Boger, respectfully, declined to comment at this time.